The Schedule Guide for Beginners #1: The Why behind the why

Confused? Understand why.

"We need to make labor cost!" This echoes in the halls of food and retail industries, where managers scramble weekly to balance schedules with payroll. They do their best, often relying on instinct and past experiences. Schedules are written with all 5 staff members in at 10am and out by 4pm. Why? Because its always been done that way at your business. But here’s a pivotal insight: Effective scheduling isn't about the number of people you roster; it's about knowing what to schedule, when to schedule them, and why they are there in the first place.

The Why of Scheduling

Why do you own a business? What is the goal of the schedule you are currently writing? These questions delve deeper than the surface-level objective of 'having staff to make sales.' The true depth and impact of effective scheduling are intertwined with leadership and the overarching goals of your business. This profound connection echoes in the wisdom of thought leaders like Simon Sinek, Ken Blanchard, and John C. Maxwell, who emphasize the critical importance of understanding the 'why' behind each action.

Reflect on this: Does your schedule align with your company's vision? Does it operate within the boundaries of your company's core values? Does it help in fulfilling your company's mission? The 'why' is crucial because it often arises from situations that deviate from the norm. Why is this person on the schedule? The question of why is usually brought up when the cost of the that person working is in question. Consider why you might schedule a specific employee, like Leon, on a Saturday. Is it because having Leon at work allows you to attend a community bike building event, reflecting your commitment to bringing meaningful change to your community—a core value of your business? Or is it because you need that day off to support your daughter at her little league game, embodying your value of family first? The expenditures are justified because they align with your values. What about scheduling Leon on Saturdays so you can pick up your dry-cleaning and go grocery shopping? This isn't justified because you can always do that on a slower day. Your why JUSTIFIES the expenditure. Ask yourself the question: "Is scheduling Leon worth the money and personal cost." If the answer is yes, then by all means do it! If it is no, then reconsider your action.

Each 'why' has a purpose, a reason that justifies the cost for that shift. If there's no 'why,' then there is a real question on the justification of the cost. Understanding the 'why' behind your scheduling decisions is not just about filling slots; it's a strategic choice that should reflect and reinforce the very values and goals that define your business. It's about making each decision, each schedule, a stepping stone towards realizing your company's aspirations and ideals.

Your Next Step

Mastering the art of scheduling is about harmonizing experience with data, intuition with analysis. It transcends the mere act of assigning shifts and has many more moving parts than just understanding the the why, But you must know your why as it is the first step.

Are you ready to enhance your scheduling strategy? Let me assist you. By understanding the 'why' behind your scheduling choices and integrating this with data-driven insights, we can forge a schedule that not only meets but elevates your business's needs. Move beyond guesswork and hope. Let's embrace scheduling with purpose and precision.

Read more in the "Schedule Guide for Beginners" Series to learn more tactics and strategies!

Eager to revolutionize your scheduling strategy? Reach out, and let’s tailor a scheduling system that’s as efficient and effective as your business itself.

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